WAYIN:THI creates greater visibility for powerful cultural storytelling through movement and performance.
The dance theatre ensemble have performed at the 2025 Ruby Awards, 2026 Adelaide Fringe Award Ceremony, Blak Night at Carclew, Common Threads Summit, 2026 Gluttony Gala and more.
Photo: Jack Fenby.
When: February 20 - 22
Where: Tandanya Theatre, 253 Grenfell St, Kaurna Yarta
Cost: From $15-25
Duration: 60 minutes
Fibres will be held at Tandanya Theatre.
Accessibility
Tandanya has step-free mobility aid access through the main entrance with an accessible bathroom.
For more detailed accessibility information visit FringeTIX.
This work explores the natural fibres — once used for healing, weaving, storytelling, dance, painting and crafting. More than resources, these fibres hold story, culture and connection to Country. Through touch, texture and movement, we follow the gestures of threading, knotting, interweaving and mending, drawing on their strength and care. Dance becomes a bridge between fibre and story, body and Country.
This work is presented by WAYIN:THI Collective produced by The Mill - a bold new platform grounded in culture, self-determination, and performance-making. The Collective is dedicated to amplifying the voices of South Australian First Nations dance and performance artists.
This is movement. This is story. This is WAYIN:THI.
Caleena Sansbury is a prominent First Nations artist whose diverse background and extensive experience have established her as a leading figure in the arts. Her heritage, encompassing Ngarrindjeri, Narungga, and Kaurna cultures, deeply influences her work and perspective.
A graduate of NAISDA Dance College, Caleena’s career spans various disciplines including performance, choreography, and program coordination. She has showcased her talents on both national and international stages, working with respected artists and companies.
Her notable collaborations include:
Vicki Van Hout on productions like Long Grass and Les Festivities Lubrufier.
Thomas E. S. Kelly on the performance work [MIS]CONCEIVE.
Karul Projects on the piece SSHIFT.
Caleena’s experience extends to children's theatre, where she has performed in shows produced by InSite Arts such as Saltbush and Our Corka Bubs, and with Polyglot Theatre in Tangled. Her work demonstrates a deep understanding of both dance and theatre, particularly in contexts involving young audiences.
In addition to her performance career, she has contributed to theatre as an actor in Legs On the Wall’s The Man With The Iron Neck and has showcased her organizational skills as a producer for the Melbourne Fringe in 2018. She has also toured South Australia with Taree Sansbury’s Mi:wi 2019, and performed in Jacob Boheme’s dance work Gurranda in 2024. Caleena continues to perform and practice dance in and throughout South Australia.
Currently, Caleena is a Program Coordinator at The Mill, an award-winning multi-disciplinary arts organisation. Her role at The Mill continues to reflect her commitment to fostering a vibrant and dynamic First Nations arts community.
Arrernte and Gurindji Contemporary Dance Artist, Kaine Sultan-Babij, is making a lasting impact on the world of dance and drag.
With a background that includes performing with Leigh Warren and Dancers, Bangarra Dance Theatre, and the Australian Dance Theatre, Kaine has skilfully blended Contemporary Dance and Contemporary Indigenous Dance. Based in Kaurna Country, Kaine stands as an Independent Dancer and Choreographer, contributing to the vibrant Australian performing arts scene.
Beyond Kaine's achievements in the dance world, the emergence of Estelle, a captivating Drag Performer and Persona, has added another layer to their artistic repertoire. Estelle quickly gained recognition, establishing herself as a standout performer in the Adelaide Drag Scene. Through electrifying performances, Estelle has earned a respected place in the realm of drag.
Together, Kaine and Estelle embody a powerful fusion of Tradition, creativity, and contemporary expression, making a lasting impression on the dance and drag communities in Australia.
Fibres received support from Nexus Arts 40 for 40 Quick Response grant
Photo: Jack Fenby
When: Friday, December 12, 4-5pm
Where: The Breakout at The Mill, 154 Angas St, Kaurna Yarta
Cost: $10 (+ booking fee)
Note: Please arrive 15 minutes early to grab a drink. This event will be 1 hour (including a Q&A).
This showing and Q&A will be held in The Breakout. Please come to The Mill at 154 Angas Street, the bar will be open to grab a drink before we take you through to The Breakout.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to get a drink.
This event will be 1 hour (including the Q&A).
Accessibility
The Mill’s entrance has a small step into the building. We have a ramp available, please ring the doorbell and our friendly team will assist you.
The entrance into The Breakout is wheelchair accessible, with no internal steps.
The Mill has concrete flooring throughout with no internal steps and a disability toilet on site.
Read more in-depth information on our accessibility web page.
The Mill has concrete flooring throughout with no internal steps and a disability toilet on site.
Read more in-depth information on our accessibility web page.
If you have questions or would like to talk to one of The Mill team contact info@themilladelaide.com
Join us for an intimate private work-in-progress showing of Fibres, the latest creation by WAYIN:THI, choreographed by Kaine Sultan-Babij with support from Caleena Sansbury - The Mill’s First Nations Co-Leads and Coordinators.
Fibres weaves together movement, story and culture, drawing inspiration from the natural materials once used for healing, weaving, dance and art. Through gesture, texture and rhythm, this work threads connection between body and Country - honouring the strength, care and memory held within every fibre.
Come witness this powerful new work as it takes shape - raw, resonant, and full of life.
Please RSVP before Thursday, December 11.
Fibres is being developed as part of our Centre Stage Residency, in collaboration with Adelaide Fringe, and will be presented as part of our 2026 Adelaide Fringe program.
The showing will be followed by a short Q&A with WAYIN:THI, hosted by The Mill CEO / Artistic Director Katrina Lazaroff. Audiences will have the opportunity to ask questions about the development and provide feedback about the performance.
Arrernte and Gurindji Contemporary Dance Artist, Kaine Sultan-Babij, is making a lasting impact on the world of dance and drag.
With a background that includes performing with Leigh Warren and Dancers, Bangarra Dance Theatre, and the Australian Dance Theatre, Kaine has skilfully blended Contemporary Dance and Contemporary Indigenous Dance. Based in Kaurna Country, Kaine stands as an Independent Dancer and Choreographer, contributing to the vibrant Australian performing arts scene.
Beyond Kaine's achievements in the dance world, the emergence of Estelle, a captivating Drag Performer and Persona, has added another layer to their artistic repertoire. Estelle quickly gained recognition, establishing herself as a standout performer in the Adelaide Drag Scene. Through electrifying performances, Estelle has earned a respected place in the realm of drag.
Together, Kaine and Estelle embody a powerful fusion of Tradition, creativity, and contemporary expression, making a lasting impression on the dance and drag communities in Australia.
Caleena Sansbury is a prominent First Nations artist whose diverse background and extensive experience have established her as a leading figure in the arts. Her heritage, encompassing Ngarrindjeri, Narungga, and Kaurna cultures, deeply influences her work and perspective.
A graduate of NAISDA Dance College, Caleena’s career spans various disciplines including performance, choreography, and program coordination. She has showcased her talents on both national and international stages, working with respected artists and companies.
Her notable collaborations include:
Vicki Van Hout on productions like Long Grass and Les Festivities Lubrufier.
Thomas E. S. Kelly on the performance work [MIS]CONCEIVE.
Karul Projects on the piece SSHIFT.
Caleena’s experience extends to children's theatre, where she has performed in shows produced by InSite Arts such as Saltbush and Our Corka Bubs, and with Polyglot Theatre in Tangled. Her work demonstrates a deep understanding of both dance and theatre, particularly in contexts involving young audiences.
In addition to her performance career, she has contributed to theatre as an actor in Legs On the Wall’s The Man With The Iron Neck and has showcased her organizational skills as a producer for the Melbourne Fringe in 2018. She has also toured South Australia with Taree Sansbury’s Mi:wi 2019, and performed in Jacob Boheme’s dance work Gurranda in 2024. Caleena continues to perform and practice dance in and throughout South Australia.
Currently, Caleena is a Program Coordinator at The Mill, an award-winning multi-disciplinary arts organisation. Her role at The Mill continues to reflect her commitment to fostering a vibrant and dynamic First Nations arts community.
Photo: Jack Fenby
This showing has support from
In 2022, The Mill undertook a First Nations Dance Community Consultation with SA-based dance artists, to understand their needs and challenges. This consultation has informed the development of a broader extended program to benefit the First Nations dance community as a whole.
In 2023, The Mill created our First Nations Dance Program supported by BlakDance (QLD) and Australian Dance Theatre, coordinated by proud Ngarrindjeri, Narungga and Kaurna woman Caleena Sansbury, supported by The Mill’s CEO/Artistic Director.
In 2025, the program continues with the aim to support First Nations dancers and dance groups who reside in South Australia by offering them the following - as identified needs through consultation;
Business development skills workshops
Residencies at The Mill
Culturally safe dance technique classes at The Mill and AC Arts
Culturally safe choreography and composition labs at The Mill
Through this program, artists are supported to explore new ideas, interrogate existing work, explore new collaborative relationships, and/or research their movement practice in connection to Country and kin. They are supported to make new work and explore dance practice to develop new or existing ideas or processes and make space for experimentation and culturally engaged collaboration.
Photo: Supplied by Tjarutja Dance Collective.
